Photocatalytic degradation of CI basic red 46 from aqueous solutions using SiO2/TiO2/Zeolite tertiary composites via advanced oxidation method

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Arash Almasian
M.O Olya
Department of Environmental Research, Institute for Color Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
/amnc.2013.2.6.7
Abstract
In this study, SiO2/ TiO2/ zeolite tertiary composites with (STZ) high adsorption capability and high photocatalytic activity were synthesized by immobilizing mixed silica and titanium dioxide nanoparticles on modified zeolite via sol-gel method. The characteristics of chemistry and morphology of composites were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Addition of silica particles enhanced the uniform dispersion of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on modified zeolite by changing in surface charge of zeolite.Furthermore, FTIR spectra showed successful immobilizing of SiO2 and TiO2nanoparticlesinto the zeolite with AL (IV) and Si-O-Ti bonds. Surface area of the composites increased significantly after immobilizing of silica and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and thus greatly improved the photodegradation efficiency. The optimal condition for complete decolorization with STZ0.20.4 and STZ 0.4-0.2 composites was found in 30 min. 
Keywords
Advanced oxidation
Zeolite LTA
Silica
Titanium dioxide
Dye
Composite